Fulham have confirmed that they are to appeal against FIFA’s ruling that they must pay the œ2.5m they owe Lyon for French striker Steve Marlet.

The club have been withholding the payment because they were unhappy with the role Barcelona-based agents Sebastien and Pascal Boisseau played in the deal. However, FIFA ruled yesterday that the club must pay the moeny or face sanctions from the sport’s governing body.

Nonetheless, a club spokesman confirmed: “We are appealing against the verdict.

“I understand we have 20 days in which to lodge an appeal, which we intend to do.”

Marlet joined Fulham in the summer of 2001 in a deal worth £11.5 million.